Though ostensibly a motor neuron disease, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is known to affect multiple cell types in the nervous system, including cortical neurons, astrocytes and Schwann cells. However, a new study in mice indicates that oligodendrocyte development and CNS myelination are spared by the disease process. The researchers discovered that oligodendrocyte function was fully preserved in the Smn1−/−;SMN2 model of severe SMA. Further study of these cells could provide important insights into mechanisms that protect against SMA.